Here are some of the tips Lawrence police are offering for keeping safe this Halloween:

For Trick-or-treaters:

¢ Stick to familiar neighborhoods and homes. “You should go trick-or-treating to houses where you know the people that are living there and you know that they’re safe,” said Sgt. Dan Ward, a Lawrence Police spokesman.

¢ Carry a flashlight. Wear reflective clothing. Walk, don’t run. Stay on sidewalks, if possible, and follow traffic signals.

¢ Only approach homes that are lighted.

¢ Avoid knives, swords or other weapons as props, but if they’re necessary for a costume, make sure they’re flexible and can’t be mistaken for a real weapon. Also, consider using face paint instead of masks, which can limit children’s vision.

For parents:

Lisa Hoag looks for parts of a Halloween costume for her daughter Courtney Hoag, 10, center, and her friend Madeline Caywood, 10, at Fun & Games, 830 Mass. Ghosts, goblins, princesses and superheroes will be out in force today, with businesses downtown handing out candy from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and citywide trick-or-treating until 8:30 p.m.

¢ Accompany young children. If your children go out on their own, make sure they have a watch – preferably one they can see in the dark – and a way to call home. Know where they’re going.

¢ Although tampering with candy is rare, tell children to bring candy home to inspect it before they eat any. Look at wrapping carefully, and toss out anything that looks suspicious.

For homeowners:

¢ Make sure your yard is clear of things such as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip children.

¢ Put up pets to protect them from cars and keep them from getting scared and biting a trick-or-treater.

• 6News video: Children should be cautious when trick-or-treating

¢ Battery-powered jack-o’-lantern candles are safer than real candles. If you do use candles, place the pumpkin away from where children will be walking or standing, and make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won’t be blown into a flaming candle.